We are pleased to share that Krzysztof Wieczerzak, a member of the RADISH team, is a co-author of a newly published research article in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials. The paper, entitled “Copper-Based Crystalline–Metallic Glass Composite Thin Films: A Novel Material with Enhanced Strength and Thermally Stable Nanotwins,” presents the development of an innovative class of thin-film materials that combine crystalline and amorphous phases within a single composite structure. By carefully engineering the microstructure at the nanoscale, the research team has demonstrated a pathway toward materials that exhibit both exceptionally high mechanical strength and remarkable thermal stability—two properties that are often difficult to achieve simultaneously.
The study focuses on copper-based composite thin films produced using a co-sputtering process, enabling precise control over chemical composition and structural architecture. The resulting material features a unique microstructure composed of crystalline regions enriched with dense nanotwins embedded within an amorphous metallic glass matrix. This synergistic combination leads to outstanding mechanical performance, with strength values reaching the gigapascal range, while maintaining structural integrity even after exposure to elevated temperatures. The presence of thermally stable nanotwins plays a key role in enhancing resistance to deformation and microstructural degradation. These findings open up promising opportunities for applications in areas where materials are required to withstand extreme mechanical loads and high-temperature environments, such as protective coatings, micro- and nano-electromechanical systems, advanced manufacturing technologies, and high-performance engineering components. We are proud that our team contributes to cutting-edge materials research at the international level and congratulate all co-authors on this significant scientific achievement.
Link to full article: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202526632?utm_medium=article&utm_source=researchgate.net